Law Enforcement. Just writing the two words together brings back old memories of TV shows featuring a grizzled detective smoking a large cigar. I picture Martin Lawrence and Will Smith blowing up half of Miami in their attempts to catch the bad guys. In reality, none of this is true. None of this even shines a candle on the true work of law enforcement officers. It is the most underrated, thankless, and poorly portrayed career in the world. A federal law enforcement position takes more time and dedication than any other law enforcement job in the world. It is my hope to shed some light on what a federal law enforcement officer really does, and for my purposes, I am using the specific career of FBI Special Agent.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation began its mission in 1908 when the first director was appointed. Since that time, it has become the primary investigative division for the United States government. The FBI is responsible for enforcing over 260 federal statutes, and also for conducting investigations pertaining to National Security. In recent years, and with the events of September 11, 2001, the FBI’s mission has doubled.

The job of the FBI Special Agent is the backbone of the federal investigative system. They cover a broader range than any other special agent position in the country. There is an FBI field office in practically every large city in the United States, and thousands of current active investigations. The Bureau is best known for its work against organized crime, but they are also responsible for investigations into organized crime, white-collar crime, public corruption, financial crime, fraud against the government, bribery, copy-right matters, civil rights violations, bank robbery, extortion, kidnapping, air piracy, terrorism, foreign counterintelligence, interstate criminal activity, fugitive, and drug-trafficking matters.

The job of a special agent is time consuming, and has resulted in many failed marriages, and broken homes. These people not only put their physical lives in danger, but also their home lives, and receive little thanks for their sacrifices. It is necessary for the special agent to become fully involved in cracking each respective case, and often, this takes most, if not all of their time away.

In conclusion, this career takes more skill and dedication than most, and only the best of the best succeed. For someone to become a good special agent demonstrates that they have a good work ethic, and the drive to succeed at all costs. This is a position I would recommend only for those that are willing to put in the work, and I am willing to do so.